Treatment of breast cancer

Treatment for breast cancer is given by cancer specialists (oncologists). Some specialize in surgery, some in radiation therapy and others in chemotherapy (drugs). These doctors work with the person with cancer to decide on a treatment plan.

Treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each person with cancer. Treatment decisions for breast cancer are based on:

Hormonal therapy is offered for hormone receptor–positive breast cancer (ER+, PR+ or both) that is either:

early stage with a low risk of recurrence

locally advanced, advanced or recurrent

The type of hormonal therapy offered will depend on whether or not the woman has reached menopause.

biological therapy

The type of biological therapy offered will depend on the HER2 status of the breast cancer.

Colony-stimulating factors may be offered to lessen the side effects of chemotherapy.

bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates may be offered for bone metastases.

follow-up after treatment is finished

It is important to have regular follow-up visits, especially in the first 5 years after treatment.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials investigate better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. There are many clinical trials in Canada that are open to women with breast cancer. For more information, go to clinical trials.